Judge Alfred Corey from Grand Island and Judge Derek Weimer from Sidney were recently recognized with prestigious awards by the Nebraska Supreme Court. These honors were presented at the court's 2024 meeting in LaVista, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to the judiciary beyond their standard duties.
Judge Corey received the Improvement of Community Relations award. Since his appointment in 2017, he has been serving on the 9th Judicial District County Court bench in Hall County. His involvement with initiatives like the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and Nebraska’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative has led to significant improvements in juvenile justice within his district. Under his leadership, Hall County experienced a notable decrease in juvenile petitions and probation intakes over the past year and a half. Corey's efforts also included expanding an opiate detox center to house a juvenile reception center, aiming to keep young offenders within the community.
Corey is known for his approachable leadership style, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders such as law enforcement and schools. He is considered a mentor who encourages open discussions for better outcomes for youth involved in the court system.
Judge Weimer was awarded for Improvement of the Judicial System. Serving since 2009 on the District Court bench in the 12th Judicial District, Weimer has been recognized for integrating technology into court operations. His initiatives include using applications like Docket and Sign Desk, promoting paperless files, and electronic exhibits to enhance court efficiency. Regular meetings with district court clerks help address challenges collaboratively, ensuring consistency across courts.
Weimer's commitment extends beyond technology; he participates actively in committees such as the Bench-Media Committee to encourage media coverage of Nebraska’s court system.
Chief Justice Mike Heavican praised both judges during the ceremony: “On behalf of the Nebraska Judicial Branch and everyone here, I extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Judge Corey and Judge Weimer. They exemplify outstanding service to the judiciary and are truly deserving of this recognition.”
The judicial power in Nebraska is distributed among various courts under administrative direction from its Supreme Court.